Governing Body

Each school in the state system has a Governing Body. The Governing Body plays a key role in helping oversee the strategic direction of the school and works in partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team. The main aim of a Governing body is to ensure the delivery of a high standard of education for all pupils in its care.

The governing body has three main roles:

Strategic

The Governing Body sets the general direction of the school, looking at how it should best develop and improve. This is done by reviewing and agreeing policies, setting targets and priorities and monitoring and reviewing aims and objectives. Strategic thinking is not always linked with the curriculum and it does not mean just responding to weakness.

Critical Friend

The Governing Body works with the Headteacher and creates a clear understanding of the challenges faced in managing the school. The governing body is able to question and challenge. A good working relationship is essential as a real critical friendship is only achieved where there is trust and mutual respect.

Accountability

The school is a business and its stakeholders are the learners. The Governing Body has a professional attitude and uses its collective skills to benefit the learners. It gathers views, ask questions and decides what is best for the school and the children. The governing body is answerable to the parents and the wider community.